The south Wales town of Pontypridd is ready to welcome back its most famous son as Tom Jones prepares for an outdoor concert on home soil.

Jones "The Voice" predicts an emotional night in the town centre park for his first concert in Pontypridd since 1964.

A 25,000 crowd is expected at Ynysangharad Park to help the singer celebrate his 65th birthday.

Police have warned of congestion on the roads ahead of the first major outdoor concert to be held in Pontypridd.

'Very emotional'

Jones has not played in his home town since the 1960s

Jones, who is now based in the United States, told BBC Wales: "I am emotional enough when I am in Cardiff, I will have to be careful not to get too emotional as your throat closes up and you can't sing.

"In Pontypridd, I am going to be singing to primarily Welsh people, from Ponty and the surrounding valleys.

"It is going to be very emotional for me."

Jones, who had his first hit, It's Not Unusual, 40 years ago, celebrates his 65th birthday a week after the Pontypridd concert, on 7 June.

Jones planned the event, which will be his only UK performance in 2005, to mark the occasion.

A capacity crowd is expected for the concert, but a limited number of tickets are available for people who call in person to the town's Muni Arts Centre by 1200 BST on Saturday.

PARK AND RIDE LOCATIONS

Hawthorn Comprehensive School, Hawthorn

University of Glamorgan, Treforest

Ty Trevithick, Abercynon

Barry Sidings, Hopkinstown

Heritage Park , Trehafod

Police have warned the crowds expected to descend on Pontypridd from early on Saturday that roads and car parks will be extremely busy in the build-up to the concert, which begins at 2000 BST.

South Wales Police said roads to Pontypridd, including the A470 and M4, would be congested and urged concert-goers to leave their cars behind or use park and ride facilities outside the town.

Pontypridd's Bridge Street will be closed to traffic, except coaches and taxis, from 1400 BST until midnight on Saturday.

Parts of Pontypridd town centre will be closed for the concert

Chief Inspector Ian Bellshaw, said: "This event is the first of its kind for Pontypridd and we want everyone to have an enjoyable day.

"Up to 25,000 people will be making their way to the concert and the town centre roads will be very busy.

"Don't rely on being able to park in the town centre car parks as they will fill up very quickly."

It is anticipated that all town centre car parks will be full by mid-morning and additional bus services have been laid on to transport fans.